Proverbs 17:5
Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just say mocking the poor is wrong; it links it directly to insulting their Creator. This implies that when we scorn someone's hardship, we're actually disrespecting God, who made them and has the power to change their circumstances at any moment.
This verse appears in the middle of a collection of wisdom sayings, following verses that contrast wise and foolish children and the importance of keeping one's mouth shut. It continues the theme of righteous conduct, directly linking mocking the poor to insulting God, who made them. The subsequent verses explore themes like false promises and the love of friends, further grounding this proverb in the practical outworking of godly character.
Ever wondered why Jesus cared so much about the poor? This verse reveals a deep connection between how we treat vulnerable people and our relationship with the Creator.
The Dignity of the Vulnerable
This proverb, repeated in Proverbs 14:31, hits hard: mocking someone because they are poor is not just rude, it's an insult to God. Why?
We all feel a little smug sometimes when things go wrong for someone else. But the Bible issues a stark warning about taking pleasure in misfortune.
A Heart of Malice
The second half of the verse warns against being 'glad at calamity.' This isn't just about indifference; it's about finding joy in another person's suffering.
Understand the original words
la'ag · Hebrew Verb
To treat with contempt, ridicule, or scorn, especially regarding the status or condition of someone else.
'asah · Hebrew Verb
The Creator of all mankind; by mocking the poor, one is essentially insulting the wisdom and sovereignty of the God who fashioned them.
'eyd · Hebrew Noun
A state of great distress, ruin, or disaster; in Scripture, it often refers to the judgment or unfortunate circumstances that befall someone.
naqah · Hebrew Verb
To be held accountable for one's sins or wrongdoings; it carries the weight of divine justice and the certainty that God will judge moral failings.
This passage is nearly identical to the first half of Proverbs 17:5, emphasizing that oppressing the poor is an insult to their Creator.
Job 31:29Job lists his integrity, stating he did not rejoice when his enemy fell, mirroring the second part of Proverbs 17:5 and highlighting the severity of delighting in others' misfortune.
Luke 6:37Jesus teaches the importance of mercy and compassion, directly contrasting the attitude of mocking the poor and rejoicing at calamities described in Proverbs 17:5.
Romans 12:15This verse calls believers to 'rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn,' offering a positive command that stands in direct opposition to the malice condemned in Proverbs 17:5.
Ezekiel 25:6-7The judgment described here, where God promises to act against those who showed malicious pleasure at Judah's destruction, illustrates the divine punishment warned against in the latter part of Proverbs 17:5.
bensonProverbs 17:5: "Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished."
Proverbs 17:5 . Whoso mocketh the poor — See on Proverbs 14:31 ; and he that is glad at calamities — At the miseries of other men; shall not be unpunished — The cup shall be put into his hands, Ezekiel 25:6-7 .
ellicottProverbs 17:5: "Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished."
(5) Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker. —See above on Proverbs 14:31 . He that is glad at calamities.—Of enemies. (Comp. Proverbs 24:18; Job 31:29.)
The verse doesn't just say mocking the poor is wrong; it links it directly to insulting their Creator. This implies that when we scorn someone's hardship, we're actually disrespecting God, who made them and has the power to change their circumstances at any moment.
This verse appears in the middle of a collection of wisdom sayings, following verses that contrast wise and foolish children and the importance of keeping one's mouth shut. It continues the theme of righteous conduct, directly linking mocking the poor to insulting God, who made them. The subsequent verses explore themes like false promises and the love of friends, further grounding this proverb in the practical outworking of godly character.
This verse appears in the middle of a collection of wisdom sayings, following verses that contrast wise and foolish children and the importance of keeping one's mouth shut. It continues the theme of righteous conduct, directly linking mocking the poor to insulting God, who made them. The subsequent verses explore themes like false promises and the love of friends, further grounding this proverb in the practical outworking of godly character.
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"Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished." — The verse doesn't just say mocking the poor is wrong; it links it directly to insulting their Creator. This implies that when we scorn someone's hardship, we're actually disrespecting God, who made t…
